C919 enters Europe, good news
2024-08-12
한어Русский языкEnglishFrançaisIndonesianSanskrit日本語DeutschPortuguêsΕλληνικάespañolItalianoSuomalainenLatina
The international airworthiness certification of China's domestically produced large aircraft C919 is receiving "positive feedback". According to the Hong Kong "South China Morning Post" on the 8th, citing people familiar with the matter, after the EU regulator conducted an on-site certification inspection of the C919 passenger aircraft in Shanghai last month, relevant Chinese civil aviation agencies are more optimistic about the C919 passenger aircraft obtaining EU certification in 2025. "The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) delegation gave positive feedback," said the person familiar with the matter.
It is reported that the focus of the on-site certification inspection by EASA technicians this time is to operate and evaluate the C919's Class D flight simulator. In order to realistically replicate takeoff, landing and various emergency situations, the Class D flight simulator is manufactured using real cockpit equipment. According to a corporate announcement issued by COMAC in 2023, the C919 simulator fully replicates the aircraft's real cockpit, significantly improves visual effects, expands the pilot's horizontal field of view, and adds motion effects, which can more accurately simulate various flight events.
EASA's on-site certification inspection of the C919 is part of the compliance demonstration. EASA has a total of four rounds of certification procedures, and the compliance demonstration is the third stage of the process, which is also the most important certification stage. During this period, aircraft manufacturers must prove that their products meet regulatory requirements for structure, engine, control system, electrical system and flight performance.
During the on-site certification inspection, EASA representatives also boarded the C919 aircraft for a close-up inspection. The South China Morning Post said that this was the second time that EU technicians had inspected the C919 on-site after March this year. They spent several hours inspecting the cockpit and cabin and discussed specific details with representatives of the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The above-mentioned insider said: "They (EASA representatives) were sharp-eyed and asked a lot of details, paying special attention to the commercial operation of C919 by domestic airlines."
According to the report, officials from the Civil Aviation Administration of China called the inspection a "breakthrough", marking a step forward for EU regulators in understanding Chinese aircraft and their design and manufacturing. People familiar with the matter told the South China Morning Post that the prospect of obtaining EU certification in 2025 now seems more optimistic.
However, EU regulators did not include a test flight of the C919 in their July assessment. In response, people familiar with the matter said the test flight may take place later this year or early next year.
As China's first domestically developed large aircraft that has been put into commercial operation, obtaining EASA certification is of far-reaching significance for C919's "going global". The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) said that C919 broke the monopoly of Boeing and Airbus in single-aisle jet mainline passenger aircraft. According to reports, COMAC first applied for EASA certification in 2019, and C919 completed its first commercial passenger flight in May 2023. With the opening of its domestic routes, the certification process has been further accelerated.
"In the face of Boeing and Airbus models, China is one step closer to self-sufficiency." Latin American News Agency reported that many Chinese airlines have extended an "olive branch" to the C919. According to Japan's Nikkei Asia, the C919 was well received at its debut at the Singapore Air Show in February this year. As of June 20, COMAC has received more than 1,200 orders for the C919, which are expected to be delivered in the next seven years.
The South China Morning Post stated that obtaining EASA certification is only part of the plan to expand the global influence of C919. COMAC has already set its sights on Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with Indonesia's Linya Airlines and Brunei's Qiji Airlines considered "possible buyers" of C919. Obtaining EASA certification will not only expand the reputation of C919, but also increase its attractiveness to foreign buyers.
According to Nikkei Asia, many European and American airlines have also shown great interest in the C919. The media believes that through continuous independent innovation, strategic planning and diplomatic efforts, the C919 has the competitiveness to expand in the global passenger aircraft market. Although it is unlikely to fly in Europe or North America soon, there are still opportunities for cooperation.
Author: Wang Yisun Yijia
Source: Global Times
